Several automakers have been experimenting with engine technology known as “Compression Ignition” that allows a gasoline engine to work with diesel-like efficiency. In theory, the technology would allow for huge gains in fuel mileage, but none had been able to make it predictable and dependable enough for the mass market -until now.

On August 8, Mazda revealed that their engineers had not only figured out the key to compression ignition technology, but they had improved upon the basic design and already plan to install their version in Mazda vehicles as soon as 2019. Known as Skyactive-X engines, they will first appear in the 2019 Mazda 3 and likely be available in almost any Mazda vehicle in the years to follow.

SkyActiv-X engines will play a starring role in the company’s long-term technology plan — a vision Mazda dubs “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030.” 

As Mazda stated, “A proprietary combustion method called Spark Controlled Compression Ignition overcomes two issues that had impeded commercialization of compression ignition gasoline engines: maximizing the zone in which compression ignition is possible and achieving a seamless transition between compression ignition and spark ignition.”

Mazda’s breakthrough is the first of its kind in automotive history; an internal combustion, gasoline engine achieving a “super lean burn” by way of spark-less compression ignition, coupled with a forced induction supercharger. Its ability to ignite fuel without the need for spark plugs allows it to burn fuel with diesel-like efficiency, and the addition of a supercharger will mean a significant boost in power as well.

Under less than ideal conditions such as cold-weather startups, the engine will use spark to temporarily ignite the compressed fuel-air charge. Once at operating temperature, it will continue to run on compression ignition alone. 

Although they work similarly to diesel engines, SkyActiv-X technology will make them dramatically cleaner than diesel powerplants and could end the need for continuously variable transmissions whose performance characteristics tend to disappoint and even frustrate those looking for sportiness. Mazda claims fuel economy increases of up to 30 percent are possible, and that this technology “equals or exceeds” its Skyactiv diesel fuel efficiency. Skyactiv-X engines will also be significantly torquier than their Skyactiv-G predecessors, increasing torque by 10-30 percent which should translate into generous thrust in every gear.

If Mazda delivers on all of these promises, you can look forward to new Mazda vehicles capable of hybrid-like fuel efficiency and the performance and familiarity of traditional gas-powered vehicles. If that’s all true… who would want to buy a hybrid?

Also, part of Mazda’s “Sustainable Zoom-Zoom 2030” plan is an effort to lower corporate emissions. The automaker plans on introducing electric vehicles and other electrified technology in regions with clean energy grids starting in 2019. There will be a further evolution of the brand’s exciting Kodo design language, and broader application of its i-Activsense driver assist technology. Finally, by 2025, Mazda believes it can offer some form of autonomous driving technology across its entire lineup.

So, watch your local Mazda showrooms very carefully. Not long from now the automaker will be offering a perfect balance between sip-sip efficiency and zoom-zoom performance. Skyactiv-X engines will represent a major breakthrough in automotive technology and a major improvement in your owner experience.